If you’re one of the millions of Americans who receive health insurance benefits from your employer, you may have noticed that your choices seem a bit limited.  Yes, it is unquestionably nice to work for a company willing to offer coverage at a discounted rate.  The trade-off, however, is that you have to accept the plan the company decides to purchase.  This might work for some folks, but for others it fosters in a new set of unexpected problems  Accordingly, more and more individuals and families are opting to purchase health insurance on their own.

In this article we will examine a few of the more notable advantages associated with shopping for your own healthcare plan, such as those purchased from an Illinois health insurance broker.

Increased Control Over Your Premiums and Policy

You have a new level of control that may not be available through company-provided health benefits, when you make the decision to buy your own health insurance.  One of the disadvantages of having insurance through an employer is, clearly, the limitations.  Many companies choose their health plan in an extremely generalized manner; looking for that comfortable middle ground which offers a little something for everyone, but not too much in that it drives the monthly premiums up.

Unfortunately, this usually results in having to select from one or two option.  Buying your own plan allows you to tailor a coverage policy that meets your needs, while giving you the flexibility of deciding on claims copay amounts, deductibles, out of pocket expenses, and many other attributes.

The Freedom to Choose Among Many Different Carriers

While most employers end up going with reputable and well-known health insurance carriers, not all of them are as savvy.  Do you remember that episode of the Office, the one in which Dwight is tasked with picking the company's new healthcare plan, only to select the absolute bottom of the barrel, cut-rate coverage plan?  Comical, yes.  Unrealistic, well, you might be surprised.   Being forced to make a rush decision on healthcare can leave anyone in a bad position, and trying to get anything covered can leave most people stressed beyond belief.  Purchasing your own plan allows you to buy a plan that takes your unique needs into consideration.

Increased Privacy

Privacy is always a concern when it comes to buying health insurance through your company.  Many people are not comfortable with their employer having access to medical records, banking information, claims details and other sensitive issues.  Shopping for your own coverage is one way to ensure that no one in your HR department will ever have the opportunity to pass the time, by reading all about your medical history.

More Personalized Service

When it comes to purchasing your own medical benefits in Chicago, ask yourself something: Would you rather deal with a person who has a local office in your neighborhood and knows you by name, or someone in a far away call center, where you’re known as an account number?  Working with a local health insurance broker guarantees a level of service and dedication that you simply can’t get anywhere else.

Plans that Revolve Around You

Anyone who has ever opted to take health insurance through their employer, knows all too well how limited the options are.  In most cases, you will only have the option between one or two plans, with little variation in the deductible, co-payment, maximum out-of-pocket, payment dates, and many other important financial considerations.  When you shop for your own IL health insurance policies, a world of options are opened up to you.  In addition to having more control over the details of your plan, you also have the freedom to choose the specific type of policy – such as HRA (health reimbursement accounts), high deductible plans, HSA (health savings account), low co-pay health plans, and others.

Ultimately it is up to you to decide whether or not your employer’s health insurance plan is worth purchasing.  If it is, then you have little to worry about.  If it is not, though, never forget that there are options.  If you’re in the state of Illinois and considering purchasing your own medical, dental, or life insurance, Premier can help you in selecting the healthcare plan that addresses your needs... without breaking your budget.

If you're concerned about the lack of coverage associated with your company's medical benefits plan, we would like to help.  Give us a call toll-free at 800-369-0287, or send us a message through our website.  You might be pleasantly shocked to learn how affordable it can be to buy health insurance on your own.